Philco 16B Code 125 Electronic Restore Project - Printable Version
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Philco 16B Code 125 Electronic Restore Project - tbone - 09-19-2025
Hi folks hope everyone is doing well!
A few days ago, Paul Philco322 asked me if I would electronically restore his Philco 16B. Yesterday I was lucky to have lunch with Paul and pick up the radio.
When I got it home, I did a quick evaluation of the set and was quite pleased with the condition. From what I could see, only 4 tubes were non Philco branded, and the first 8uf filter was replaced. This is what every technician hopes for! I removed the dial and put in a safe location along with the knobs and hardware. So far, the OP transformer and field coil check good. The tuning cap will need new rubber mounts so I will have to get creative with those. I did not see any direct replacements at Renovated Radios. If anyone knows a trick, please let me know.
It is an interesting radio with ivory knobs and escutcheon. Did someone decide to paint them? The cabinet does look refinished as the toner color looks off, so maybe that's a clue. I also found a 1957 penny under the chassis. Was this the last time it was worked on? Maybe it will be Paul's lucky penny!
I attached a few pictures for you to look at. I will be posting updates as I go along. please be patient as I will be fitting this in among my other projects. It seems I am busier than before I retired!
Thanks for looking.
Tony
RE: Philco 16B Code 125 Electronic Restore Project - klondike98 - 09-19-2025
Nice looking set! You should have fun with this one. Those knobs are surely painted. Will be watching with interest...
That penny got some heavy duty use! You never know what you are going to find in these old radios.
RE: Philco 16B Code 125 Electronic Restore Project - tbone - 09-19-2025
Well I couldn’t keep my hands off today! It keeps my mind going in circles at least until I know the condition of key components that could be show stoppers.
I’m happy to report that the only known defective coil is the shadow meter. There is an additional coil in an IF can that is not accessible without removing the cover which I’ll get to in the near future. I don’t expect it to be bad, but ya never know.
The power transformer runs cool after a 30 min burn in without the 80 plugged in, so that’s more good news.
Even the tubes test good for emissions with no shorts!
Next I’ll be researching how to rewind the shadow meter and making a list of resistors and capacitors I need.
RE: Philco 16B Code 125 Electronic Restore Project - Paul Philco322 - 09-19-2025
Tony is very talented under the hood, I mean chassis. I appreciate him putting this one on his bench. Perhaps that penny came out of an earlier owners fuse box!
[Image: https://www.tuberadioland.com/files/philco16B_first_NewcastlePA_Sep21st19340001.jpg]
I understand the earlier version of this had 5 bands, the second version had 4. Perhaps Tony can let us know what this one has. Paul
RE: Philco 16B Code 125 Electronic Restore Project - radiorich - 09-20-2025
Hello Tony,
Wow, what nice Set !!
Sincerely Richard
RE: Philco 16B Code 125 Electronic Restore Project - tbone - 09-20-2025
Paul,
It’s the later 4 band version. Two of the lamps are burnt out. It’s a unique lighting system where the mask has 4 slots and 4 bulbs, one for each band. Not at all like the later Philco’s where the whole assembly moves up and down.
Now to figure out how to access the lamps behind the mask. I don’t want to damage the mask!
I did some reading and the consensus is that #40 magnet wire is needed for the shadow meter coil. I have to get some and make up a rig to re-wind it. I thought about using my drill, but my Lowes Kobalt model has a lot of torque on the low speed setting which I suspect will lead to wire breakage. I used to use the company electric drill, but that’s no longer an option. Maybe the Dremel tool could work as its speed control is quite good. That will be a fun project in and of itself.
More to follow. Grab some popcorn and a beverage of your choice!
462ron - 462ron - 09-20-2025
Hi guys, always wanted a 16B and then one day spied one at our local auction house that I frequent. My first impression was man this is a big radio for a table top and I was almost ready to bid on it until I leaned it over to have a look inside when the strong odor of urine hit me. I thought I don’t feel like dealing with that so I let it slip by
. I see there seems to be plenty of room under the chassis so shouldn’t be too difficult to work on. Have fun.Ron
RE: Philco 16B Code 125 Electronic Restore Project - Paul Philco322 - 09-20-2025
I had read that the later 16B lost the squelch circuit and then they added a tuned RF stage using a 78 tube, some commented this brought up the sensitivity. Paul
RE: Philco 16B Code 125 Electronic Restore Project - morzh - 09-21-2025
These are not too bad at all to restore.
Especially compared to, say, a 45.
RE: Philco 16B Code 125 Electronic Restore Project - radiohenry - 09-21-2025
Tony,
I'm curious about how to change the bulbs too. A 16 is patiently waiting attention as well as a 17 chassis which I think is a 16 with only 1 shortwave band. I really miss just being able to send Ron a pm.
Henry
RE: Philco 16B Code 125 Electronic Restore Project - tbone - 09-22-2025
I started looking for the correct dial lamps and all I could come up with is a #50 lamp. The Philco lamp chart shows this. It appears that’s what’s in the radio as well. If you try a #46 it will bump against the mask which will damage it from heat.
I’m interested in what others have done, and if there is a source for #50 lamps.
Henry, the lamp sockets pull out from the back. Easy to do.
RE: Philco 16B Code 125 Electronic Restore Project - KCMike - 09-22-2025
Try AES.
https://www.tubesandmore.com/products/dial-lamp-50-g-3-12-75v-22a-screw-base
RE: Philco 16B Code 125 Electronic Restore Project - Paul Philco322 - 09-22-2025
What does it say on the bulbs#50? Paul
RE: Philco 16B Code 125 Electronic Restore Project - tbone - 09-23-2025
Paul,
The lamps were tarnished and unreadable. Probably the original 90 year old ones that came with the set. They are definitely #50. Somehow I missed them on AES, thanks KC Mike!
RE: Philco 16B Code 125 Electronic Restore Project - tbone - 09-26-2025
Made lots of progress with the old girl this week. A couple rainy days allowed for some indoor time!
All Bakelite blocks are restuffed, the tone control is rebuilt, and many resistor’s replaced. I’ll be starting on filter cap rebuilds next. I want to get to a point where I can actually test the radio without the shadow meter just to see where I’m at.
Take a look at the schematic for the green highlighted parts replaced.